About Urban indian health institute
Urban Indian Health Institute: Leading the Way in Research and Data for Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) is a national center dedicated to improving the health of urban American Indians and Alaska Natives. Established in 2000, UIHI is one of 12 tribal epidemiology centers funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The institute's mission is to support urban AI/AN communities through research, data, and policy development.
UIHI's work focuses on addressing health disparities among urban AI/AN populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 5 million people who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native in the United States. Of these, approximately 70% live in urban areas. Despite this large population, there is a lack of data on their health status and healthcare needs.
To address this gap in knowledge, UIHI conducts research on a variety of health topics affecting urban AI/AN communities. This includes chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, mental health issues such as depression and suicide prevention, substance abuse disorders including opioid addiction treatment options for indigenous peoples with co-occurring disorders like PTSD or trauma-related conditions.
One example of UIHI's research efforts is their work on COVID-19 among urban AI/AN populations. In response to the pandemic's impact on indigenous communities across the country - particularly those living in cities - UIHI launched a comprehensive study examining COVID-19 cases among this population group.
The study found that while overall rates of COVID-19 were lower among AI/AN individuals compared to other racial groups like Black Americans or Latinx people living within cities; however when looking at specific age groups within these populations it was found that younger adults aged between 18-49 years old had higher rates than any other group studied which could be attributed due to social factors such as employment opportunities or housing situations where they may be more likely exposed due proximity with others who have contracted virus.
In addition to conducting research studies like these ones mentioned above , UIHI also provides technical assistance services for tribes seeking help with data collection methods or analysis techniques related specifically towards public health initiatives aimed at reducing disparities experienced by Indigenous peoples living within metropolitan areas throughout North America .
Another important aspect of UIHI’s work involves policy development around issues affecting urban AI/AN communities . For example , they have worked closely with policymakers at both state-levels & federal levels advocating for policies that improve access healthcare services including mental healthcare services which are often underfunded compared other medical specialties despite high demand from Indigenous patients seeking care .
Overall , Urban Indian Health Institute has been instrumental in advancing our understanding about how best we can support Indigenous peoples living within metropolitan areas throughout North America . Through its innovative approach towards conducting rigorous scientific studies coupled alongside providing technical assistance services aimed at improving public-health outcomes; it has become an invaluable resource not only for researchers but also policymakers working towards reducing disparities experienced by marginalized groups across society today!